Cracking Down on Illegal Mining: A New Approach to Tackle Economic and Security Challenges
The recent declaration by Mohamed Tunis, the Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, regarding Nigeria’s loss of 91% of its mining sector revenue to illegal operators is indeed a matter of great concern. Tunis highlighted that Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Cote d’Ivoire significantly contribute more to their GDP from the mining sector compared to Nigeria, where 80% of mining activities are conducted illegally in the Northwest region. This not only results in substantial revenue loss but also fuels insecurity through criminal activities such as banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency.
Tunis’ statement accurately portrays the detrimental impact of illegal mining on the economy and security situation, particularly in the northern states. This phenomenon has led to widespread cases of banditry, kidnapping, and community unrest. The criminal exploitation of mineral deposits has been a significant factor in fueling violence, particularly in Zamfara, with severe economic and security implications.
In response to this critical issue, Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has collaborated with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to deploy a special security unit called ‘Mining Marshals’ nationwide. These marshals will be established in every state and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to address the problem of illegal mining.
Although the legality and operational guidelines of this initiative remain unclear, it is evident that the pressing challenge at hand is to significantly reduce illegal mining activities in the country. Previous administrations have initiated sector reforms, including improving mobility for field officers and organizing artisanal miners into cooperatives, but the focus should be on properly organizing the sector to attract local and foreign investors.
A recent report commissioned by Global Rights highlighted the factors promoting illegal mining activities in Nigeria, including poverty, high operating costs, cumbersome criteria for formalizing operations, and the lucrative nature of the illicit business.
Nigeria’s solid minerals sector is primarily driven by the private sector, with the government allocating mineral titles to investors and providing oversight through policy direction and regulations. The country’s laws also specify regulations for possession and purchase of minerals, as well as the establishment of Minerals Buying Centres (MBC) across the nation. Despite these measures, illegal mining continues to thrive openly in various regions, posing a significant challenge.
The urgent need to address this issue comprehensively is evident if Nigeria is to combat both the insecurity and economic crimes associated with illegal mining. The establishment of the ‘mining marshal’ unit by NSCDC under Alake’s command signifies a step towards confronting the menace. However, it is crucial to ensure that this initiative does not lead to further challenges.
In conclusion, the issue of illegal mining in Nigeria is a critical concern that requires a concerted effort to combat. The implementation of the ‘mining marshal’ unit is a step in the right direction, but it is crucial to address broader systemic challenges to effectively tackle illegal mining and its associated economic and security repercussions.
